I've been using a Lenovo ThinkPad since 2021 for my computer science studies, and as I approach my final year at university, I'm diving into full-stack development with hopes of becoming a developer after graduation. I'm considering switching to a MacBook Pro mainly for its solid performance, build quality, and developer-friendly tools like Docker and VS Code, along with its Unix-based environment. However, I'm unsure if this is the right choice given my background with Windows and Linux tools. I'd love to hear thoughts or experiences from others who have made a similar switch—especially from Windows (particularly ThinkPad users) to macOS—regarding things like long-term viability for full-stack development, any major drawbacks or compatibility issues, the best MacBook Pro specs for heavy coding, running VMs, and working with web and backend frameworks. Any insights would be greatly appreciated before I decide!
14 Answers
A Mac is indeed good for full-stack development, but be aware that it can lag a bit if you’re running multiple monitors with several servers open during meetings. I recommend going for one with at least 16GB of RAM to keep everything running smoothly.
Is 16GB enough, or would you need 32GB if running servers?
What tech stack are you planning to use? Just a heads up, Docker can slow down quite a bit on macOS. Look into alternatives like Colima if it's a concern. Overall, for anything other than heavy C# work, a Mac is a solid choice.
Unless you’re stuck with legacy .NET apps, then you might feel the pinch!
I'm currently focusing on Java and C++, though.
I've been handling full-stack projects on my M1 MacBook Air, and it’s more than sufficient for what I do every day. Really happy with it!
I've worked for two companies that used Macs for full-stack development, and they’re a pretty popular choice! If you’re going for a Mac, definitely consider getting one with an M series chip—they're really reliable.
Yeah, I’m thinking of getting an M4 Mac Pro myself!
Everyone I've met who switched seems to love their Macs. Just note that if you're in a team that's not predominantly Mac, you might hit some minor compatibility bumps. But it’s generally not a dealbreaker if you're comfortable with the Mac environment.
Switching from Windows to Mac? Absolutely. But switching from Linux to Mac? That's not an appealing transition for me.
What makes you say that? I’m still getting into Linux.
Honestly, I’m puzzled by some of the comments. Sure, the MacBook Pro is great for build quality and performance, but for full-stack work, it might be overkill unless you’re doing demanding stuff like rendering or machine learning.
If you’re just looking to mix things up, why not? Windows is still popular and works fine, but Macs usually come with better battery life. In places like Myanmar, that’s a big deal with electricity reliability!
I've been on Windows forever, but I think it’s time to switch since my laptop is getting old and the battery needs replacing.
I've been coding in Python and Swift on my M1 MacBook Pro and it works perfectly for me. Just got a Mac mini M4 with 16GB, and it's extremely fast and portable for my needs!
I'd say go for it! Developing on a MacBook Pro is usually a breeze. Even though I lean towards Windows and Linux, MacOS does have its perks for web development.
I moved from Windows to Mac and loved the experience! It took a short adjustment period, but I prefer my MacBook over anything else now. I still use a Samsung phone but can see myself sticking with Apple for my laptop needs.
That's exactly how I feel, though my friends keep pushing gaming laptops, the battery life on Macs is a game-changer.
I’ve been using my M1 Pro for over three years now, and it handles everything smoothly. I've got two external monitors hooked up, and the 32GB of RAM has been more than enough! If you're up to date with your needs, don't hesitate to invest in a MacBook Pro.
Windows is pretty rough, honestly. MacOS is easier to use for casual users, but it doesn’t always match Linux for reliability. My work setup is a Mac, but I stick to Ubuntu for personal use. Just a heads up, I’m not a fan of Apple’s keyboard shortcuts—they act up often after updates. But if you need a smooth experience for development, a Mac is worth considering!
I switched in 2020 and now use a MacBook for my full-time job—absolutely loving it! I do keep a Windows PC at home for gaming, but the Mac is perfect for work-related tasks.
I’m shooting for 24GB because I plan to use my Mac for a long time.